Page 63 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

“I knew they were good boys all along,” she reminded him. “They were merely acting out because they craved attention. They have received that from you.”

“And you, as well, Sera.”

She studied him. “I hope you will be able to love them, Win.”

His hand raked through his hair. “I already do. I was wrong to distance myself from them. I thought I was simply going to take responsibility for Terrance’s bastards. See them fed and clothed and even educated. I was blaming the sin of the father upon two innocent lads. I thought I wanted nothing to do with them. I find I have changed my mind considerably.”

He took her hand. “You helped me see them as my nephews. Blood relatives.”

She looked down at their joined hands, his large one engulfing hers, the tingle of desire rippling through her. Why did he keep doing these things? She didn’t think he was trying to seduce her. He merely wanted to share the joy he felt.

“They will be a part of the household now. I will call the servants together and tell them the boys are family. Of course, they cannot be addressed as Lord Frederick or Lord Charles. Even though they are the sons of a duke, they are still by-blows.”

“What if the servants usedMaster FreddieandMaster Charlie?” she asked. “I noticed that is how Harrison referred to them during their riding lesson today.”

“Yes, that would be appropriate. When they are older, they can be Mr. Sawyer. Or Mr. Cutler if they choose to use the family name.”

“You did the right thing. Telling them you were their uncle. I noticed you did not explain fully about the father’s relationship with their mothers. Or that they even have separate mothers. Will you ever share that?”

“I’m not sure if I will. Right now, they are brothers. Being half-brothers is not that important in the long run. If I did tell them, it would put Terrance in an even poorer light. Neither looks like him. Freddie is the spitting image of his mother. As they grow older, Charlie will most likely assume he favors his father.”

Win sighed. “I know down the line they may have more questions. Why I inherited the dukedom over them. They will learn they are bastards by Polite Society’s standards, though they certainly aren’t the first. Still, I want them to know they will be loved and cherished by the Duke and Duchess of Woodmont.”

Sera realized that the new duchess would have to accept the boys as members of the household. She would have no say in the matter since Win now felt so strongly about the pair. Of course, many young women would chase his title and not care about the boys because neither would inherit. She already hated the thought of being parted from Freddie and Charlie and wondered if perhaps she should ask Win if she could stay on permanently as their governess.

Then again, the thought of being in a household and watching Win with his duchess would be too hard to bear. No, she would stick with the original plan. Help the boys adjust to living at Woodbridge and then leave for the house party.

“We’re ready!” called Charlie.

She rose, pulling her hand from Win’s, feeling bereft at no longer being able to draw strength from his touch.

Both boys were in their separate beds, sitting up, looking clean and happy.

“Will you read us a story now, Sera?” asked Charlie. “Or you can tell us one instead.”

She didn’t feel like making up a story and asked Win to fetch the Mother Goose book. Once she had it, he recommendedThe Master Cat.

“Otherwise known asPuss in Boot,” he told his nephews.

Sera read the tale of the miller’s three sons, the youngest inheriting a very special cat. The cat became a lord, while the son won the love of a princess.

When she finished, she closed the book and saw Charlie’s eyelids fluttering. Glancing at Freddie, she saw he also was almost asleep.

Sera kissed each boy goodnight and saw Win did the same. Freddie smiled up sleepily at his uncle and then closed his eyes.

It was too much. The emotion roiling within her threatened to erupt and cause her to break down.

They went to the schoolroom and closed that door. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and looked up at Win.

“I am afraid I am as sleepy as the boys. I am also still full from that heavy tea. I think I will turn in for the night.”

Disappointment crossed his face. “I understand.” He gazed at her for a long moment and then said, “Goodnight, Sera.”

She smiled brightly. “Goodnight, Win.”

Turning, she forced her feet to move to the door to her bedchamber. She entered and closed it behind her. Sera waited, breathing shallowly, until she had given Win enough time to be gone.

Then she dissolved into tears, burying her face in the lumpy pillow, crying for a life she could never have.

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